Aquatic Toxicology
Dr. Dana Wetzel, Program Manager
The Aquatic Toxicology Program seeks to determine what effects toxic substances have on marine life, from low level, chronic exposures that may lead to reproductive and developmental failure, cancer or genetic damage, to acute exposures leading to immediate illness and death. A major focus of Dr. Wetzel’s work deals at the molecular level with biomarkers, or compounds that are indicative of toxic stress before the animal’s system succumbs to the toxic effects. She also investigates bioaccumulation of toxic chemicals and food chain relationships through the marine trophic levels to humans. Much of her work is performed in the field, with controlled laboratory exposure studies implemented to address specific research issues.
Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.
